Daemen University students can now access legal advice through the Campus Legal Advocate Clinic held in the Research & Information Commons (RIC) from 4-6 p.m. Mondays in room 212 and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays in room 214B.
Thanks to the partnerships forged by Margaret Phillips, associate professor and director of the paralegal studies program, and a joint effort between Employee Engagement, Community Standards and Student Advocacy, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and Student Affairs, the new on-campus service allows students to book an appointment to speak confidently with lawyer Young Woo Kim, an associate with Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham LLC. Kim can provide students with initial assistance, guidance, and resources related to legal issues or concerns.
“Anyone dealing with legal issues is likely experiencing stress,” said Miguel Rodriguez, director of community standards and student advocacy, who serves as the main contact for the clinic. “If a student feels stranded or unsure of what to do, they now have a professional they can talk to comfortably in confidence to help direct them to further support.”
Kerry Spicer, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, played a key role in bringing the clinic to campus. She explained that support looks different depending on each situation or circumstance.
“There are times when we have the appropriate resources and expertise and times when we need to reach out,” said Spicer. “Having an associate like Mr. Kim on campus who can direct students to the resources appropriate to their issue, as well as their geography, will be incredibly helpful.”
Even something as simple as buying a car or applying for a first-time loan could require legal services or direction, explained Laura Azzarella, associate vice president of employee engagement, who also helped organize the clinic.
“This is an important service any student may need during their time at Daemen. We want our students to know we are here to help them with whatever they may be going through, therefore we strive to offer as many possible resources to them,” said Azzarella. “We wanted to provide our students with the convenience to meet with a lawyer right on campus and, thanks to Daemen’s vast professional network, we were able to make that a reality.”
For more information regarding the Campus Legal Advocate Clinic, contact Rodriguez by calling 716-839-8200 or via email at mrodrig1@daemen.edu.